Serve

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Last Updated: Jul 10, 2025, 06:33 PM

SIU Honors students work outside with shovels

Service Opportunities

Packing food for area kids at Gum Drops.

Honors students packing food at Gum Drops

One of the distinguishing features of the Honors student is their commitment to service and leadership.  Our students are actively engaged in the community, effectively enhancing their learning experience and broadening their horizons. 

We sponsor the following service opportunities:

  • Green Earth Sanctuaries
  • Gum Drops
  • All Seasons Farm
  • Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge
  • Touch of Nature

Trips are announced in 4-1-1 and you can reserve a space on a first come basis.

We also take up requests from campus and community groups as they arise.  Look out for announcements in 4-1-1.   You can also volunteer with any of the activities listed in the Center for Service Learning and Volunteerism portal.

For all other services, please use the Honors Civic Engagement Form and turn it in to the Honors Program.

For more information about University Honors Program Civic Engagement, please contact David Milley, Assistant Director, at milleydr@siu.edu or 618-453-1691.

Students Can Make A Difference

Nathan Speagle, President, Green Earth Inc, writes about the power of student service to the community.
Students participating with Green Earth

Why Civic Engagement?

  • Students who participate in civic engagement tend to excel academically.
  • Embracing the spirit of volunteerism and service to the community are essential components of educating the whole student - Learn. Lead. Serve.
  • Civic engagement improves your mental health, positively contributing to higher levels of happiness, self-esteem, and life satisfaction.
  • Civic engagement enhances your understanding of diverse cultures and communities and connects you with others through shared experiences.
  • Honors students are leaders at the university and will be leaders after graduation – our communities need leaders who care about others.
  • Civic engagement will increase your awareness and understanding of community concerns and issues.
  •  The rewarding, highly satisfying feelings of accomplishment are priceless: "Kindness is one thing you can't give away; it comes back to you." 
  • Interactive, hands-on, practical applications of classroom learning provide students with personal characteristics and skills highly sought by graduate schools and employers.